With the recent population increase of bobwhites in the United States, Quail Forever has captured the renewed interest of diehard upland hunters by forming new volunteer chapters, including three new committees in the state of Illinois. The McDonough County, Brown County, and North Egyptian Chapters of Quail Forever recently assembled to increase quality habitat for bobwhite quail and other wildlife in Illinois, while working to inspire a new generation of youth conservationists in their local communities.
“We’re ecstatic to continue the important work of ‘The Habitat Organization’ by focusing on habitat improvements for quail, pheasants, and all wildlife in our region,” stated Tom Branson, president of the McDonough County Chapter of Quail Forever. “Creating outdoor memories for youth in our community is one of our chapter goals, and I’m certain this volunteer group will provide valuable conservation services in the surrounding area for many years to come.”
Looking to build on past successes, Quail Forever chapter volunteers have completed 974 projects in the state of Illinois impacting 18,768 acres for bobwhite quail and other wildlife. Implementing new programs and initiatives such as prescribed burn associations, habitat strike teams, and recent rights of way projects, local chapters of Quail Forever are poised to have dramatic impacts moving forward for habitat conservation efforts in the Prairie State.
"The continued interest and enthusiasm from Illinois sportsman and conservationists to bring back the bobwhite is nothing short of incredible,” stated Tim Caughran, director of field operations for Quail Forever. “We’re honored to have all of these new chapters coming on board and look forward to working together with them to deliver our goals and mission for the future."
McDonough County Chapter of Quail Forever
- The McDonough Chapter has selected Tom Branson of Ipava as president, Jon Forman of Macomb as treasurer, Tony Kloppenborg of Good Hope as habitat chair, and Corinne Galvan of Sciota as youth chair.
- The next chapter meeting will be hosted on August 9th at 6:30 p.m. at Crooked Creek Outdoors in Macomb, Illinois.
- For more information about the chapter or upcoming meetings, contact chapter president Tom Branson at (309) 224-1684 or tbranson@pheasantsforever.org.
Brown County Chapter of Quail Forever
- The Brown County Chapter of Quail Forever has selected Justin Oliver of Mount Sterling as president, James Lehne of Mount Sterling as treasurer, Richard Johnson of Mount Sterling as youth/education chair, and Aaron Bemis of Mount Sterling as vice president.
- For more information on the chapter or upcoming meetings, contact chapter president Justin Oliver at (217) 653-6112 or deputyoliver@yahoo.com.
North Egyptian Chapter of Quail Forever
- The North Egyptian Chapter has selected Scott Tolliver of Salem as president, Mike Malone of Alma as treasurer, and John Bunnell of Salem as habitat chair
- The next chapter meeting will be hosted on August 12th at 4:00 p.m. for a clay pigeon shoot in Alma, Illinois (3379 Hicks Road - Alma, Illinois, 62807).
- For more information on the chapter and information on upcoming meetings, contact chapter president Scott Tolliver at (618) 322-3992 or trooperdad85@yahoo.com
For more information about starting a chapter of Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever in Illinois, or becoming a volunteer within an existing chapter, contact regional representative Ross Fogle at (309) 310-7958 or
rfogle@pheasantsforever.org
About Quail Forever
Quail Forever is a leading organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation efforts for the United States’ native quail species. Since its creation in 2005, Quail Forever has conducted more than 8,500 habitat projects across the nation benefitting quail and other wildlife. Along with its affiliate organization Pheasants Forever, it has committed more than $708 million to improve more than 15.8 million acres of wildlife habitat. Quail Forever has more than 16,000 members and 165 local chapters across the country. Both Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever are part of Pheasants Forever, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@quailforever.org